Building upon her efforts to improve student reading skills, State Senator Patty Ritchie has secured $5,000 in special funding to help support elementary level reading programs in four school districts in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.

“Reading is the foundation of a student’s education, allowing them to explore, imagine and grow,” said Senator Ritchie.

“When we help students improve their reading skills, it gives them a chance to discover new adventures, while developing and enhancing their ability to learn.  I’m pleased to be able to bring this funding to our schools to help expand learning opportunities for students and help them build upon the reading skills they will use for the rest of their lives.”

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will be used to support reading programs at elementary schools in the following districts:

Watertown City School District

Ogdensburg City School District

Heuvelton Central School District

Lisbon Central School District

“Putting books in a child’s hand allows them to embark on new journeys, improving their vocabulary and comprehension skills and expanding their opportunity to learn,” said Heuvelton Central School Superintendent Susan Todd.  “We can’t thank Senator Ritchie enough for  this funding and her ongoing efforts to improve the reading skills of our children.”

“We are extremely grateful to Senator Ritchie for this funding and her continuing efforts to help our young students become strong, independent and enthusiastic readers,” said Watertown City School District Superintendent Terry Fralick.

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie builds upon her past efforts to support and improve elementary level reading programs for students throughout the Central and Northern New York region she represents. Last year, Senator Ritchie delivered $14,500 to help support literacy programs in ten North Country school districts.